Honored as Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers.

Named to Nation-Wide "40 Under 40" List by the New Leaders Council.

2009:

Selected Majority Whip.

Fraternal Order of Police
Outstanding Legislator
Award.

2008:

Reelected to Statehouse.

2007:

Ohio Young Democrat
of the Year.

Ohio Civil Rights
Commission Eagle Award.

2006:

First Elected to Statehouse.

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May 3, 2012

Dear Friend:

Since 2007, I have had the honor to serve the people of Mansfield and Richland County. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I am proud of all that we have achieved together.

I’ve had the chance to collaborate with great public servants like Governor Ted Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown, Leader Armond Budish, former State Representative Bill Hartnett, and dozens of other tremendous mentors and friends. Together, we have helped lead Ohio through one of the most difficult economic periods in our history.

There’s a lot that we have accomplished. We championed the Third Frontier Program fostering entrepreneurship, a model of public-private partnership that is creating thousands of Ohio jobs. In 2009, in the midst of the worst economic decline in nearly a century, we passed a bipartisan balanced budget without raising taxes. In recognition for my civic leadership, I was named to TIME magazine’s Top40 Under 40 Rising Stars of American Politics.

While it’s been an incredible six years fighting for working families and Ohio business, I am writing you today to let you know that I have decided not to seek reelection to the Ohio House. I’ve decided that now is the time to pursue other opportunities to help improve the Mansfield community and grow the local economy. I will be shifting my focus from public service to my family’s local manufacturing company, Goyal Industries, where I will be transitioning to President of the company and to pursue additional business educational opportunities.

You have been a tremendous friend and supporter over these past years, and I could not have achieved success without your advice and encouragement. Therefore, I wanted you to be one of the first to know about my plans. I will be endorsing Ellen Haring to be the new Democratic candidate in the 73rd district. She has served with distinction on the Mansfield City Council for the past five years and is the perfect person to continue our work in Columbus.

I look forward to taking on new challenges and devoting more time to my Goyal Industries. While I pursue my business career, I hope to explore new avenues for public service, so I can continue my work to expand economic opportunity and advance social justice. I look forward to staying in touch and working together with you in the future. Thank you for all your friendship and support.